On a totally separate note, we also received a tip claiming to have some specs -- we can't verify any of this either, but we're told that the device will have a 10-inch screen and look like a larger iPhone with a MacBook-like aluminum back, and that pricing will run $800 on contract with Verizon and $1000 without when it arrives in March.

A series of photos shared just hours before Apple's product unveiling show an iPhone-like interface on a larger, higher-resolution screen, representing either an internal leak or a convincing fake [Updated with alleged back shell photos].

The images, obtained by Engadget, show a device that appears to be bolted down. It has a Wi-Fi connection, but no cellular service, and is running what appears to be a new version of the Maps application.

Update: In addition, photos from a Chinese Web site claiming to be the back panel of the tablet temporarily surfaced, and were captured by Gizmodo. It was speculated the purported photos were shot in a radiation testing facility, and are included below.

One photo, taken with an iPhone on top of the screen, suggests the display could be about 10 inches diagonally, and one of the shots seem to show a front-facing camera. Consistent with what sources have told AppleInsider, the device also sports an iPhone-like home button.

The device appears to be partially covered by a black cloak, which would fall in line with a profile last year in The New York Times that described the great lengths Apple goes to in order to maintain a tight lid on its secret products. The Times said that those working on the most sensitive projects are instructed "to cover up devices with black cloaks when they are working on them, and turn on a red warning light when devices are unmasked so that everyone knows to be extra-careful."

"It's big -- really big -- and it's running what clearly looks like an iPhone app, although we've never seen an iPhone app with that interface or at that resolution before," Engadget's Nilay Patel wrote. "We also see a WiFi icon and a cell service indicator, although tragically there's no carrier listed. As far as fakes go, this is as convincing as it gets, so either this is the real deal or someone deserves a hearty congratulations."

In addition, the Web site also received a tip from someone who leaked the exact specs of the iPhone 3GS last year. The person claimed the device will have a 10-inch screen and MacBook-like aluminum back, which is consistent with what AppleInsider was told. In addition, they said it will cost $800 on contract with Verizon and $1,000 unsubsidized for a March debut. That timeline is consistent with a rumor published in The Wall Street Journal earlier this month.

The source also said the internal codename for the tablet has been "K48" -- a name that was also heard last year when alleged details surfaced on a Chinese Apple fan site. Those same rumors had accurate details on the then-unreleased iPhone 3GS.

The source also told Engadget that Apple will introduce a Verizon iPhone, as well as the iLife 2010 product suite. However, they claimed MacBook updates will not be a part of today's event.

Update: Gizmodo photos follow:

AppleInsider will have live, up-to-the minute coverage from inside the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco later today. Visit live.appleinsider.com to follow along with the event, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific time, 1 p.m. Eastern.

What I'm wondering though,
is that I'm an apple iPhone Dev and usually if new hardware or software is being released,
we get emailed about it at least two days before, and are usually able to download the beta.

How cool! a 10 inch iPod touch that can also read books and magazines!!!! It's what I've always wanted...and I will have the privilege of spending $1000 to own one!

Apple is truly the most innovating company in the world...this jumbo ipod touch is going to REVOLUTIONIZE EVERYTHING. Nothing will ever be the same again after people can finally use an ipod in 10 inch size! And maybe it will even come with a paint app that allows me to paint with my fingers on the screen like in a real canvas but like...on a screen tablet!!!! OMG! And all for a mere $999???

I am not buying these high price predictions.
My guess is that it will be a $100 more than a good netbook. Which sounds high.

If I were Apple, I'd leaking these high price rumors on purpose.
When its announced, it will sound low!

C.

yeah i agree with this. seeing as it's 99% surely an iphone os device it probably has nothing better than a snapdragon processor in it. the hardware is probably a moderate speedbump and the only real component price increase will be for the screen (a very significant one)

I look forward to bringing years of joy to millions of citizens around the world!

Steve is a very kind and brilliant man, and I thank him for giving me life --

Alas, most of you have demanded it, but gotten nowhere.

But that's no reason to be left out of what could easily be the most useful, most used, most you-gotta-have-this device, anywhere, at anytime, maybe, in the history of man -- the start of a new decade ushers in the beginning of a new, exciting era of mobility --

I am not buying these high price predictions.
My guess is that it will be a $100 more than a good netbook. Which sounds high.

If I were Apple, I'd leaking these high price rumors on purpose.
When its announced, it will sound low!

C.

Well I hope you are right, but the 64GB iTouch is already about $50 more than a good netbook. The iPhone 32 GB 3GS WITH an AT&T is the price of a Netbook. I cannot really see this tablet being much use at less than 32 GB (and I really think 64GB is necessary). Add that if the rumours are true it will have a better processor (ARM), a much bigger display, WiFi and 3G, and probably a camera. So for that reason I think we are looking at well into the $800 range if not more.

Agreed. To be honest, despite the vitriol we heard on some of these forums, I think hand writing recognition for a tablet makes a lot of sense. With an iPhone, Blackberry etc...thumb typing works quite well because you can easily get your thumbs across the entire keyboard while holding with two hands. With the larger form factor of a tablet type device I don't think that will work well - you'll likely be holding with one hand and typing with the other. Now I know some people are good "one hand typists" but sadly I don't think it is really efficient. If I have to put the tablet down to type on it then that is not really practical. Also if I put it on my lap to type the ergonomics of trying to type and read the screen is horrible. So I actually do hope there is a stylus interface. Plus then as some people speculated the iWhatever could function as a Waacom type device for your Mac through bluetooth which would make it a MUCH more attractive device for me.

Think about it - the tablet syncs automatically by bluetooth to your Mac. You use it as the main input device (ie mouse) while you are at your Mac. At the end of the day as you go to leave it syncs the info to your tablet and then you take it home with you with all your work. That would be way cool in my opinion.

Looks like a prototype, it is too industrial looking. I am betting it not the final product, they probably made those for testing purposes and the real one will look different. Apple has been know to do this and use old product IDs for new designs to hide what they were doing and also cut costs on prototypes

However the one picture on the desk looks like it from apple's campus, the rugs on the floor look like the rug when I was last on their campus

For Steve Jobs to say "It's the most important thing I've ever done", it has to be as big if not bigger than the iMac, iPod and iPhone. Maybe he means that he will save the dying print publishing industry by making such a device?